Links: New Era Scouting Series
Matt Miller over at New Era Scouting (his site was the one who provided you with the in-depth scouting reports for the NFL Draft) has taken his blog in a bit of a new direction over the past week, and is giving us fans a better perspective on what it takes to look at a collegiate prospect as a potential NFL contributor. So far his series has two posts up, one about scouting QBs and another about scouting RBs, very interesting stuff. Here’s a taste from the running backs post on scouting for speed:
Unless you can gain access to a Pro Day or the NFL Combine, speed is hard to scout on film. You can watch to see how quickly a player hits the hole or if he can run away from defenders, but a lot of this also depends on the defender chasing. The best way to scout for speed is to watch the defense. If they are taking angles and still not catching a player, it is safe to say he has the needed speed to make it in the NFL.
Definitely worth the read!!
Good read, well worth it as you indicate.
To make it Jet specific, wondering if anyone has a 2006 report on Clemens? And I guess the big UFA QB would be worth a look too.
I remember them being most concerned with KC’s height, all of his other ratings were right up there with Cutler.
So based on the article would seem you would not want him throwing side armed, needs to be over the top.
Great link Bassett. I agree it really breaks down things that we already have a feeling for when looking at a player and his skills, and certainly the GM in all of us would love to just be an NFL scout for a living. (Geez look at Kiper all these years). People say the draft is a crapshoot, “Many have tried and few have succeeded, so to speak.” It’s more of a calculated risk, when it comes down to it.
Very cool link. I hope there are follow up articles on scouting other, non skill positions as well.
Hi Brandon, I talk to Matt from time to time, so I will let him know you would like to see those as well.
These articles are fantastic – kudos to Matt Miller. I wonder if he has any scouting thoughts on Thomas Jones? I’d love to learn more about what the “real” scouts think about him.
By the way, New Era scouting loves our last pick, Chansi Stuckey. Had him rated as the 93th prospect overall:
http://www.newerascouting.com/index.php?c=20&a=256
Guys, thanks for the great feedback. We are going to be covering every position like this on a two-three day schedule. I’ll also try to post random tidbits in between, like I did today, to keep it fresh.
If you want some pro scouting info on any Jets players, feel free to shoot me an email and I’ll get some to Brian.
Also, spread the word about the site. Thanks.